In response to a request from England for adescription of Col. George Washington, hisaide-de-camp, John Francis Mercer, wrote: "He may be described as being as straightas an Indian, measuring six feet two inches inhis stockings and weighing 175 pounds whenhe took his seat in the House of Burgesses in1759. His frame is padded with well developed muscles, indicating great strength. Hisbones and joints are large, as are his feet andhands. "He is wide shouldered, but has not a deepor round chest; is neat waisted, but is broadacross the hips, and has rather long legs andarms. His head is well shaped though notlarge, but is gracefully poised on a superbneck. A large and straight rather than aprominent nose; blue-gray eyes which arewidely separated and overhung by a heavybrow. His face is long rather than broad, withhigh round cheek bones, and terminates in agood firm chin. He has a clear though rathercolorless pale skin, which burns with the sun.A pleasing, benevolent, though a commanding countenance, dark brown hair,which he wears in a cue. "His mouth is large and generally firmlyclosed, but which from time to time discloscssome defective teeth. His features are regularand placid, though fiexible and expressivc ofdeep feeling when moved by emotion."

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